§ 65. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air how many airmen were lost as a result of the loss of 707 bomber aircraft over Germany and Western Europe during the four months ending 30th April; and how many of that number are known to be prisoners of war?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)It would not be in the public interest to give this information.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Secretary of State for Air has regularly answered this Question during the past four or five months? Why is it undesirable now?
§ Captain BalfourThe hon. Member must be thinking of the next Question. This Question has not been answered in the past few months. It would help the enemy.
§ Mr. StokesI beg my right hon. and gallant Friend's pardon.
§ 66. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air how many British bombers were lost over Germany and Western Europe during May; and the total for the first five months of the year?
§ Captain Balfour252 British bomber aircraft operating from this country were reported lost over Germany and Western Europe during May, 1943, bringing the total for the first five months of the year to 874.